Constable may be a molester, U.S. court told

Russ Campbell, the Franklin County constable under indictment on child pornography charges, may have abused a child locally, according to a federal prosecutor.

The allegation that Campbell may have engaged in the sexual abuse of a child in Franklin County surfaced at a bond hearing Friday in Lexington. The FBI and Frankfort police are investigating the allegation, the prosecutor said.

Campbell remains in the custody of U.S. marshals after a federal magistrate judge denied his request for bond because of the danger he could pose to the Franklin County community.

Campbell faces federal charges under a three-count indictment for possession of child pornography, conspiracy to distribute child pornography and distribution of child pornography. He's being held without bond at the Fayette County Detention Center.

David J. Guarnieri, Campbell's defense attorney, told U.S. Magistrate Judge James Todd that Campbell had a residence at his business, Capitol Investigations, located on Schenkel Lane, where he could stay and avoid inappropriate contact with his family.

"In addition to the distribution and possession charges, there are allegations he has been engaged in the sexual abuse of a child," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Wohlander. "Unless we put a 24-hour guard on him, how do we protect the kids who live near this business? I would say, your honor, this man is extremely dangerous."